#47 Can This Tiny Gadget Keep Kids in College?

Viability Debate

Investors scrutinize the viability of Marquett Burton's startup, Fletch, questioning its traction and potential use cases beyond education. Charles Hudson suggests that a single strong use case in the commercial sector could demonstrate its value, while Michael Hyatt believes the product would be more successful as an enterprise tool for businesses rather than in education 1. Marquett Burton explains that the education sector was chosen based on market feedback, but acknowledges the potential in other industries 2.

If you start selling the thing to commercial, you'll figure out which sectors, if there are any. But I think it's an across the board, anyone who's taking attendance, anyone who's got hourly workers, that kind of thing at factories.

--- Jillian Manus

The investors debate whether the workplace might offer a more compelling use case due to the tangible ROI it presents 2.

   

Strategic Reflection

Reflecting on investor feedback, Marquett Burton considers a strategic shift from education to other industries. He values the insights from experienced investors but remains cautious about prematurely diverting resources without a clear target industry 3. Nicole Verkindt and others suggest that tying Fletch to funding mechanisms in education could be beneficial, yet they also see potential in sectors like factories where hourly wages are critical 4.

With a startup, you have limited resources, energy, capital, etcetera. You need to focus.

--- Marquett Burton

Marquett is open to exploring opportunities outside education, dedicating a small portion of time to assess these possibilities while maintaining focus on the education sector's $17 billion dropout problem 3.